Category: Austrian News

In many pharmacies, it will still be possible to be tested for COVID-19 – but no longer free of charge.SARS-CoV-2 is primarily contracted by inhaling virus-containing particles. This has not changed since the start of the Corona pandemic in 2020. However, the possibility of being tested for infection has changed, for example, by means of antigen tests or the PCR method. Since July 1, 2023, free testing has only been available as part of medical treatment. If one exhibits characteristic symptoms, the attending general practitioner can perform an antigen test…

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1.5 billion euros is the payout amount for the 2023 climate bonus, and the Ministry of Climate Protection spent around 750,000 euros on the application. Preparations for the disbursement of the 2023 climate bonus are currently underway. The first amounts are expected to flow to those eligible in the fall. All people who had their primary residence in Austria for at least six months this year will receive the bonus – regardless of age and citizenship. The payment will be made in two tranches: The first tranche will be paid…

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The payment of the Gemeindebau-Bonus in Vienna will start on September 1. With the Gemeindebau-Bonus, the City of Vienna and Wiener Wohnen want to counter the consequences of the inflation of recent months jointly: “The multi-stage Gemeindebau-Bonus will provide immediate and direct relief for hundreds of thousands of Viennese. Start of the payment of the Vienna Municipal Housing BonusIn total, the multi-stage community building bonus comprises three measures, which are specifically intended to benefit the residents of Wiener Wohnen’s municipal housing complexes. All tenants of Wiener Wohnen supply the framework…

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The EU Medicines Agency (EMA) has given the green light for an adapted Corona vaccine from manufacturers Pfizer and Biontech. The Amsterdam-based agency said Wednesday that it had recommended approval of a vaccine adapted to the Omikron XBB.1.5 subvariant. Adults and children over five years of age would need a single vaccination, “regardless of their Covid 19 vaccination history,” the EMA said. Younger children could receive “one or three doses, depending on whether they have completed basic immunization or have had COVID-19,” the EMA continued. Side effects were “typically mild…

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Disguised in supposedly respectable garb, brazen scammers try to relieve Austrians of their hard-earned savings. Dear customer, you have an outstanding refund from oesterreich.gv.at. Our transaction management system recognizes that you are entitled to this payment.” (Lieber Kunde, Sie haben eine ausstehende Rückerstattung von oesterreich.gv.at. Unser Transaktionsmanagementsystem erkennt, dass Sie zum Erhalt dieser Zahlung berechtigt sind.“) It’s just a small excerpt from an email you may have received in your inbox over the past few days. However, behind the message – which at first glance seems pleasing, especially in complex,…

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No relief for the extremely troubled household budgets: Inflation picked up again in August. Prices increased by an average of 7.5%, according to the quick estimate of Statistics Austria. This means we are now paying 7.5% more for purchases and services than last year! “After 7.0% in July, prices rose to 7.5% in August, according to a first estimate. The increase is mainly due to the fact that fuel prices are reducing inflation much less than in previous months. However, the particularly high increases in prices in September and October…

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How quickly time flies: Friday marks the start of the ninth month in 2023, bringing a lot with it. Here are eight minor and significant changes with implications for everyday life. The music streaming service Spotify is raising its prices. Instead of 9.99 euros per month, 10.99 euros per month will be due for the Individual Premium subscription in the future. According to the email, those who do not agree to the new price will be downgraded to the free subscription with advertising. Existing customers still have until September 30…

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The heat wave continues in the east of Austria; in the west, it is ending – but it does not leave without new records. In Vienna, an incredible 36 degrees were measured on Friday. Because of the sultry weather, the perceived temperature is even higher. Also, the rest of the weekend continues with temperatures beyond 30 degrees; only on Monday is it expected to cool down. In the west of Austria, for example, in Innsbruck, the heat wave ends on Saturday. But even on Friday, values of 32 degrees were…

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Soon, the 2023 climate bonus will begin to be paid out, and this year’s amount will be significantly lower than last year’s. This year, the climate bonus comes in a slimmed-down version. On the one hand, the anti-inflation bonus of €250 will be eliminated entirely. On the other hand, the climate bonus will be paid out regionally this year (maximum €220; last year, €250 for everyone). So anyone expecting another €500 cash injection this year will be disappointed. But how does the climate bonus work? On the one hand, there…

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